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Landscape Mulches

Mulch

Define

Benefits

Comparing Mulches

Criteria

Organic

Inorganic

Alternatives

Using Mulches in the Landscape

Applying

Maintaining

Author: Rebecca McNair

What is mulch?

Mulch is a layer of material placed on the soil surface

Types of Mulch Organic materials

bark, wood chips, leaves, pine needles, grass clippings

Inorganic materials gravel, pebbles, or

woven ground cloth Benefits not as great

Benefits of MulchOverview: Improves Soil Eases Maintenance Improves Plant

Performance Adds beauty to

the Landscape Suppresses weeds

Mulch Improves Soil Organic materials improve soil

structure and fertility Buffers soil temperature Prevents soil compaction Minimizes erosion

Mulch helps prevent stormwater runoff.

Mulch Eases Maintenance Improves water

infiltration Prevents water

loss by evaporation Inhibits weed seed

germination Suppresses weed

growth

Improves Plant Performance

Additional roots form in the mulch layer, yielding more roots than an unmulched plantSpread mulch around

the base of newly planted trees and

shrubs to help plants establish.

Adds Beauty to the Landscape

Uniformity Contrast Variety of colors Interesting textures Gives landscape a finished

appearance

Chemicals that inhibit plant growth Fresh mulches have these chemical

properties Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Pine straw may

exhibit long term allelopathic properties Both positive and negative effects

Can inhibit weed growth Can inhibit seed germination and

growth of young bedding plants

Allelopathy

Comparing MulchesOverview: Criteria for Selection Common Landscape Mulches Alternative Mulch Materials Quality Assurance

Criteria For Selecting A Mulch

Sources, availability, and price Color, scent, and texture Durability Decomposition rates Susceptibility to termites Changes to soil chemistry

Cypress Mulch Mostly harvested from

natural areas, unsustainably Purchase only from

reputable sources, who do not harvest from the wild

Pleasant odor Maintains color Slow decomposition Eaten by termites Low in nutrients

When dry, cypress mulch repels water,

making it difficult to rewet.

Pine Bark Mulch By-Product of the timber

industry Readily available

Retains color Slow decomposition Eaten by termites Low nutrient content Slightly acidic

Melaleuca Mulch Harvested from invasive

plant stands Retains color Slow decomposition Not attractive to termites Low in nutrients Allelopathic properties

Eucalyptus Mulch Harvested from plantations Good color retention Low durability Settles, decreasing in

volume Low in nutrients Good allelopathic properties

Pine Straw By-Product of the

timber industry Readily available

Poor color retention Rapid decomposition High in nutrients Lowers soil pH Highest allelopathic

effect

Comparing Mulches Summary:

Pine straw has the most effect on soil pH, followed by pine bark, then cypress

Termites eat all mulches except Melaleuca

Cypress, Pine bark and Melaleuca demonstrated the best color retention

Alternative Mulches

Shells are “mulch” that can be used as porous material for walks and driveways

Raise soil pH

Dissolve over time

Heat up soil

Dyed Mulch Typically made from recycled pallets Buy from a reputable source to

ensure: Dyes are nontoxic,

such as soybean- based inks

Wood is not pressure treated

Rubber Mulch Made from recycled tires Available in a variety of colors Do not decompose Do not add organic matter to the

soil

Gravel,Pebbles,Crushed Stone Available in a variety of

colors Permanent Fireproof Lawn mowers can pick

up and throw the stones Reflect solar radiation,

generating heat

Recycled Yard Waste

Did you know? Florida law prohibits disposal of yard waste in lined landfills

Retain the nutrients in your landscape

Save money on fertilizer, mulch, and waste disposal

Many municipalities offer utility mulch, free! Be aware of variable quality and consistency.

Grass clippings can be left on the lawn to reclaim nitrogen equivalent to one fertilizer application per year!

Apply grass clippings as mulch sparingly… Thick layer can inhibit

infiltration of water Easily transported via

stormwater runoff Rapid decomposition

requires frequent replenishment

Grass Clippings

Leaves can remain under

trees for a “self mulching” area.

Compost Finished compost improves soil

structure and fertility. Use as: Mulch Amend

soil in plant beds

A layer of compost underneath mulch will help to reduce the effects of nitrogen

robbing.

Using Mulch in the Landscape

Spread mulch in borders, beds and around the base of landscape plants and trees

Save money on more expensive mulches by layering 2” compost under 1” premium mulch

When properly applied, mulch can help prevent common problems in the landscape such as mechanical

injuries.

How Much? Maintain 3-4

inches of mulch BUT…

Allow 1-2 inches of space between mulch and plant base Contact with the plant can result in wood

rot due to fungal and bacterial pathogens Citrus trees are particularly sensitive to this

Further ReadingHttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

ENH 103 Mulches for the LandscapeENH 127 Pests Associated with

Mulch and MoistureFOR 80 Landscape Mulches: What

Are The Choices in Florida?